Tag Archives: success

IF you are shocked at the success of “Think Like a Man“, I have one word for you. “Boomerang“.

1992 was the year and Boomerang was THE movie. I love that movie. I wish they would get the band back together and make a sequel! Someone please tell Reginald Hudlin that there is money in the air. And tell Eddie Murphy too…his last few movies have been terrible to so-so.

Wikipedia: Released in the United States on July 1, 1992, Boomerang received mixed reviews from film critics. Nevertheless, the film was a commercial success, ranking as the 18th highest grossing film in North America that year. Boomerang earned over $131 million worldwide during its theatrical run.

There hasn’t been a black relationship movie with that kind of star power behind it in a minute. Hallie Berry, Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens, Martin Lawrence, Eartha Kitt…wow. If you can think of another movie with a majority black cast that can compare, please comment below.

In terms of talent, I’m comparing the 2 casts and overall star power moment in time to moment in time. The cast of “Boomerang” went on to do a lot of great acting and many were young and full of potential at the time. I don’t think this is a total apples to apples comparison talent and acting wise. That being said, I can see many parallels.

The other star power involved is that of Steve Harvey. Harvey is said to have an audience of about 6 million listeners in more than 60 markets. With that following and Oprah’s blessing of the book this movie is based on…I’m not surprised that the movie reached #1 and made 33 million.

Sidenote: Yes, yes, I know who Tyler Perry is, but I don’t put his movies in the same category. Not taking anything away from his success, I think of him as a phenomenal businessman who is very focused on black audiences. I don’t think he’s trying to put out mainstream movies for mainstream success. He’s doing what has worked for him for years, just on a huge scale due to his success.